Podcasts about transportation officials

This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.Ken Kunkel – principal research scholar at the North Carolina Institute of Climate Studies at North Carolina State University – offers a wealth of knowledge on all things meteorology and extreme precipitation, including over 40 years of climate and precipitation research. He is an author on the third and fourth U.S. National Climate Assessments. He is also the lead author of the 2020 North Carolina Climate Science Report. He has published around 170 scientific journal articles and book chapters, mostly on climate variability and change.In this episode Kunkel discusses the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration or NOAA tool known as Atlas 15. The purpose of Atlas 15 is to produce extreme precipitation values that are used in design in infrastructure. Atlas 15 is also able to incorporate changing climate models when producing future data. He dives into how effective and accurate Atlas 15 is and how its data can improve the resiliency of infrastructure, particularly in the transportation sector. 

According to the NYPD, first responders pulled at least two people from the Hudson River Thursday after a helicopter crash. Plus, the MTA and U.S. Transportation Department have agreed to a schedule in a lawsuit over the Manhattan tolls that shows a judge won't make any decision for another six months. Also, a Hell's Kitchen landlord is getting tax breaks despite racking up hundreds of violations. And finally, Airbnb is spending millions to back candidates for local office who support easing short-term rental restrictions.

South Cache recreation facility survey results -- Sen. John Curtis presses federal transportation officials on Utah projects  

This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.In February 2025, the CEQ announced an Interim Final Rule that removes its longstanding NEPA implementing regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations. This shift places the responsibility for NEPA compliance directly on individual federal agencies, allowing them to follow their own procedures rather than a centralized set of rules.In this podcast episode, Boling delves into how, if NEPA is revoked, it removes a “universal framework” that will prevent federal agencies working in tandem on environmental reviews.Boling also outlines the potential impact of mass layoffs within the federal government, especially among senior leadership and recent hires, and how that could slow down decision-making regarding environmental reviews for infrastructure projects.

Ships hit bridges much more often than people realize, and while most of the outcomes are minor, such events can present big risks to bridge users, ship operators, and infrastructure. Bridge design standards that address such risks are issued and updated periodically by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, but they do not mandate adding protection to existing bridges. Yet the size of ocean-going cargo has grown substantially in the past 30 years, amplifying the risks for bridges over ocean-connected waterways. To understand just how safe our major U.S. bridges are today, we talk with Mike Winters, P.E., who is Senior Structural Engineer with Moffatt & Nichol, a U.S.-based global infrastructure advisor. Mike is the principal U.S. representative to an international committee established by the Permanent International Association of Navigation Congresses to develop guidelines associated with ship collisions with bridges and other fixed structures.

President Donald Trump's administration backed off its demand for an extra layer of federal scrutiny whenever states seek even minor changes to their transportation plans after the rescinded requirement sparked concern that some payments for roads, bridges and transit would be delayed or even halted due to policy differences. Most of the federal money used for transportation projects flows to states almost automatically through formulas established by Congress that consider population and other factors. For decades, states have enjoyed widespread autonomy to set their own priorities and spend the funds on projects they deem most worthy. But under the policy the administration put in place and then reversed, no additional money was to be allocated until lawyers in the U.S. Department of Transportation's Washington headquarters signed off on any changes. Such amendments to state transportation plans were already subject to a federal review, but it was usually a swift process from a regional office to confirm they didn't violate any U.S. laws. State transportation departments learned of the reversal through an email from Joung Lee, deputy director and chief policy officer for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Lee said the Trump administration had confirmed that the review process was being returned to the regional level without the need for lawyers in Washington to sign off. "As this remains a continuing development, we will keep you posted on any further updates," Lee wrote. The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration didn't respond to emails seeking details about why the headquarters-level review was implemented and later reversed. The Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO), which represents organizations that oversee local and regional transportation projects that get federal funding, told its members that at least six states had reported learning about an anticipated pause in getting their plans approved due to the extra review. "In areas with large-scale projects or narrow construction windows, even short delays can cascade into prolonged setbacks, increased project costs, and missed opportunities to address critical transportation needs," AMPO said in the memo. This article was provided by The Associated Press.

A look at the work ahead to repair the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge.

On this week's edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation about mental health challenges for people who build and maintain roads and bridges. Gregg Brunner, chief engineer and chief operations officer at the Michigan Department of Transportation, spoke about the issue last month on a panel convened by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.As someone who has spent a career focusing on the safety of the transportation system and work zones, Brunner said his interest in making improvements was piqued as he pored through crash reports and visited the scenes. He learned of the toll crashes, especially where road work is occurring, takes on the workers. Members of the panel shared some chilling statistics, including: Overall, suicides in the U.S. increased to 49,300 in 2023, up from 48,183 since just 2021. In the construction industry, 5,000 workers died by suicide in 2022, which climbed to 7,000 by 2023. By contrast, the industry loses an estimated 1,000 annually to construction site incidents.In Michigan, a construction worker is now 12 times more likely to die by suicide rather than due to an on-the-job injury.There is a 75 percent remission rate for mental health and even substance abuse issues if one stays engaged six months to a year in a treatment plan. Also discussed: The Michigan Senate recently adopted legislation to allow the use of safety cameras in work zones to monitor vehicle speeds and initiate citations for those exceeding work zone speed limits. On a previous episode of the podcast, Juan Pava, Safety Programs Unit chief of the Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering at the Illinois Department of Transportation, talked about the success of a similar program there. 

We welcome Paul Comfort of Modaxo and Transit Unplugged to this week's episode of Speaking to Influence where he shares stories from his experiences running some of the world's largest transportation and transportation technology organizations through potential powder-keg situations and refocused on new ‘north stars' of safety, efficiency, reliability, and world-class customer service.   In this episode you will learn: How Paul, the newly appointed head of the Maryland Transit Administration, faced a crisis during the Baltimore riots, took immediate action, implemented new standards, demanded accountability, and gained the respect of the senior leadership team. The difference between skills and abilities, highlighting the successful hire of a director of bus operations who had transferable skills and knowledge from a different background. The favorite parts of Paul's work– the significance of creating a fun and engaging environment for the team, such as organizing MTA Day at the Orioles and bus rodeos.   24 Hour Challenge: Sit down and take an inventory of yourself. Analyze: 1) what you're good at (what are your skills?) and 2) what do you enjoy/what are your passions? Focus on where they intersect: your strengths, rather than focusing on improving your weaknesses.   About Paul Comfort: Paul Comfort serves as SVP and Chief Customer Officer for Modaxo Americas, one of the world's largest transportation technology companies, and is host of the industry public transportation podcast, Transit Unplugged, heard in over 100 countries, and the new YouTube sensation Transit Unplugged TV show. Paul has authored three Amazon #1 bestselling books: “Public Transportation– From the Tom Thumb Railroad to Hyperloop and Beyond” and 2022's “Conversations on Equity and Inclusion in Public Transportation”.  His most recent bestseller is a cookbook – “Comfort Food”-- featuring recipes, stories, and photos from over 30 top public transportation leaders around the world. Paul also serves as Executive Director of the North American Transit Alliance.  Mr. Comfort is an attorney, popular keynote speaker, and the former CEO of one of America's largest transit systems, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) in Baltimore. He has also served as an elected County Commissioner and County Administrator for two Maryland counties. Mr. Comfort is the recipient of the U.S.A's top individual transportation honor: The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' (AASHTO) “President's Award”.   You can connect with Paul in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcomfort/ Website: https://www.futureofpublictransportation.com/ Podcast: https://transitunplugged.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transitunplugged/featured   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WBZ's Kendall Buhl reports.

Honolulu Department of Transportation Services Director Roger Morton and Deputy Director Jon Nouchi joined the Honolulu Star-Advertiser's “Spotlight Hawaii” livestream show today and answered viewer questions. This series shines a spotlight on issues affecting the Hawaiian Islands. #Hawaii #HINews #StarAdvertiser More from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser: Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://808ne.ws/2Ww2WXN Website: https://staradvertiser.com Coronavirus coverage: https://staradvertiser.com/coronavirus Email newsletters: https://808ne.ws/newsletters Facebook: https://facebook.com/staradvertiser Twitter: https://twitter.com/staradvertiser Instagram: https://instagram.com/staradvertiser LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/honolulu-star-advertiser

There's going to be about 20,000 more travelers on the road per day than during the 2021 Thanksgiving season. WBZ's Shari Small reports.

In today's newsletter:* Albemarle Police identify the victim of a homicide Tuesday * A first look at economic activity in the third quarter shows a return to growth after a decline in the second * A Canadian company has purchased WillowTree of Charlottesville for $1.23 billion* Charlottesville has selected a tree for holidays events to close out the year* The state's transportation body takes a look at major macroeconomic conditions  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

State and city officials are warning commuters of increased traffic congestion ahead of the MBTA Orange Line shutdown. WBZ's Karyn Regal reports.

Hour 1 - At least 4 dead in the accident that is focusing on that highway crossing. Local and national news headlines plus sports with Ted Woodward and a commodities update from Tom Leffler of Leffler Commodities.

On this episode of EJBTalks Stuart welcome Billy Terry, Executive Director of Bloustein's National Transit Institute (NTI), the federally funded training arm for the transit industry's extensive back-office operations. Billy talks about how he started in the transit world, and his path to his role at Rutgers. The two discuss NTI's mission to educate the administrative workforce within the multitudes of transit agencies across the nation. Billy gives an overview of the broad catalog of training that NTI offers on adhering to regulations and guidelines and the growing focus on managing and cultivating the diverse workforce. He also discusses the new and exciting focus on training current employees to successfully transition to much needed supervisory roles. Tune in to hear about all this and more! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ejbtalks/message

AAA Northeast reported 681 work zone crashes were filed in the Commonwealth last year, the highest number reported since 2017. WBZ's Tim Dunn reports.

In this episode, we have a special guest co-host Neil Peacock, who interviews a key leadership figure in the transportation industry. Neil is President of the Superior California Chapter of AEP and serves as a Senior Environmental Planner with California Department of Transportation (CalTrans). Our featured guest is Toks Omishakin, who currently serves as Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency and recently served as Director of Caltrans, where he oversaw a $17 billion transportation budget and supported nearly 22,000 employees across 12 Districts that serve the entire State Highway System and its partnering networks. Secretary Omishakin's leadership vision for the State's transportation system focuses on providing a safe, equitable, sustainable, and multimodal transportation system that builds on strong local partnerships and advances the foundational principles of safety, equity, and climate action. Toks champions an organizational culture of transformative innovation and intelligent risk-taking that will be needed to achieve zero traffic deaths and reduce Green House Emissions from the transportation sector by 40% by 2030. Before coming to California, Toks served with Tennessee Department of Transportation where he successfully established a number of environmental and transportation planning policies across a number of Divisions. Prior to that, he served as Director of Healthy Living Initiatives in the Mayor's Office for the City of Nashville, Tennessee where he helped establish a more balanced approach to transportation planning and roadway design. In addition to these leadership roles, Mr. Omishakin is Chair of the Council on Active Transportation for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and serves on the Board of several non-profit and academic institutions.

On this week's Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a semi-regular conversation with Lloyd Brown, formerly director of communications at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and now with the consulting firm, HDR.Topics include:Fuel tax pausesMichigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's veto of a bill to pause the state tax on gas and diesel fuel. Meanwhile, the governor signaled support for a temporary freeze on the sales tax on fuel.Governors and lawmakers in several other states are implementing or debating similar measures, but Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said this week he would not support lowering his state's 24.8 cent gas tax.Transit infrastructure building costsAn in-depth look by Marketplace at the soaring cost of building transit infrastructure in the U.S. According to a 2021 Eno Center analysis, the U.S. spent an average of 50 percent more on a per-mile basis for both at-grade and tunnel transit systems than other peer countries. Highways and roads are costly, too.From the story: “We do spend a lot more money here in this country, and it seems to be particularly acute in New York. But the kind of a cost per mile of building new transit, you know, is substantially higher than other developed countries with similar economies and democratic structures,” said Paul Lewis, policy director of the Eno Center for Transportation, a nonprofit think tank.The reasons are many and varied, but one expert cites the attention to ongoing maintenance and rebuilding that is prioritized in other countries. “In Paris, for instance, they've been continually building and improving and upgrading and expanding their [subway] system, you know, for about a century now. While in New York, we basically took 60 to 70 years off, and we're not sort of maintaining our system,” Eric Goldwyn, assistant professor and program director of the transportation and land use program at NYU Marron, told Marketplace.Electric vehicles (EVs) and saving livesA major shift to EVs and a clean power grid in the U.S. could save tens of thousands of lives over the next few decades, according to a new report by the American Lung Association.A story in The Verge says a drop in pollution from tailpipes and power plants would prevent up to 110,000 premature deaths by 2050, the report projects. It would also avoid 2.8 million asthma attacks and 13.4 million lost workdays. All in all, that would amount to $1.2 trillion in public health benefits. 

ENR Editors Aileen Cho and Jeff Yoders talk to a champion of equity and partnering who just made history as the first Black president in the 106-year history of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

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On this week's Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, timely conversations about the long-awaited infrastructure bill President Biden has been seeking. Recorded Thursday, Oct. 28, as negotiations continue in Congress, Susan Howard, program director for transportation finance at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, talks about the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and what it would fund.  Later, Zachary Rable, a policy analyst in the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) Bureau of Transportation Planning, joins the podcast to break down what the IIJA would mean for Michigan. Howard talks about the transportation highlights in the IIJA and why she's optimistic Congressional members can find agreement on the broader social safety net bill that would clear the way for a separate vote in the House on the infrastructure legislation, adopted with some bipartisan support in the Senate in August. Among the transportation highlights, the IIJA: Makes the largest federal investment in public transit ever,Makes the largest federal investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak,Makes the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the building of the interstate highway system, andMakes the largest investment in clean energy transmission and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in history; electrifying thousands of school and transit buses across the country; and creating a new Grid Deployment Authority to build a resilient, clean, 21st century electric grid. Howard says the investment in EV infrastructure would be significant and presents it as a new frontier, with EV charging dollars going to every state, allowing states to choose how EV infrastructure best fits into their own demographics. She calls it a long-term endeavor. Later, Rable talks about some specifics in the IIJA for Michigan: It would reauthorize surface transportation programs for five years, providing Michigan and MDOT necessary predictable and sustainable funding for advancing the department's multimodal transportation goals,It would provide $2.4 billion in "new" highway funding for Michigan for Fiscal Years 2022-2026, a $340 million average annual increase, andIt would provide $563 million for the Bridge Replacement, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program, as well as $110 million for the EV Charging Program and $8.7 million for the Ferry Boat Construction Program.

Paul is the author of the Amazon #1 Best Selling Book, The Future of Public Transportation and host of the world's top public transportation executive podcast, Transit Unplugged - heard in 99 countries.   He serves as SVP and Chief Customer Officer for the world's largest transit technology company, the Trapeze Group and is Executive Director of the North American Transit Alliance.   Paul is the former CEO of one of America's top transit systems, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) in Baltimore.   He has also served as an elected County Commissioner and County Administrator, is an attorney and the recipient of the transportation industry's highest individual honor - The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' (AASHTO) Presidents Award.   On this episode, Paul & I discuss his journey of life from a small town to local leadership, to large organization administration, his lessons and principles for success, and much more…. Let's take a ride with Paul Comfort!   Connect with Paul Comfort: Website:  www.paulcomfort.org     Lions Guide Links: Website: www.lionsguide.com   Subscribe to the Podcast: Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lions-guide-podcast/id1569364934 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZVKZ93jnqsXUDQcMdE4LO   Connect  with Lions Guide: Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/lionsguide Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/lionsguidecommunity Instagram: www.instagram.com/lionsguide LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/lionsguide YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC_4paeQ1EaPFMTyPUNt75jg

Paul is the author of the Amazon #1 Best Selling Book, The Future of Public Transportation and host of the world's top public transportation executive podcast, Transit Unplugged - heard in 99 countries. He serves as SVP and Chief Customer Officer for the world's largest transit technology company, the Trapeze Group and is Executive Director of the North American Transit Alliance. Paul is the former CEO of one of America's top transit systems, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) in Baltimore. He has also served as an elected County Commissioner and County Administrator, is an attorney and the recipient of the transportation industry's highest individual honor - The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' (AASHTO) Presidents Award. On this episode, Paul & I discuss his journey of life from a small town to local leadership, to large organization administration, his lessons and principles for success, and much more…. Let's take a ride with Paul Comfort! Connect with Paul Comfort: Website: www.paulcomfort.org Lions Guide Links: Website: www.lionsguide.com Subscribe to the Podcast: Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lions-guide-podcast/id1569364934 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZVKZ93jnqsXUDQcMdE4LO Connect with Lions Guide: Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/lionsguide Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/lionsguidecommunity Instagram: www.instagram.com/lionsguide LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/lionsguide YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC_4paeQ1EaPFMTyPUNt75jg

This week, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee began debating a $547 billion highway bill, which, among other things, resurrects an old practice: the use of member earmarks for projects. On this week's podcast, Susan Howard, program director for transportation finance of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, talks about the process, the pros and cons, and what else we can expect.In the second segment, Matt Chynoweth, chief bridge engineer at the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), talks about the largest dollar amount targeted for Michigan, a $20 million earmark for the Miller Road/Rotunda Drive bridge in Dearborn. First, Howard talks about the highway reauthorization legislation, titled the INVEST in America Act, and the differences in today's earmarks versus those of the past, mostly provisions for transparency. There is a cap on the number of projects members can submit per fiscal year and they must provide evidence their communities support the earmarks they submit. Also, any member submitting a request must post it online at the same time they submit their proposal to the Appropriations Committee.Howard also talks about the status of separate negotiations for President Biden's American Jobs Plan and what happens now that talks broke off between the president and the Senate Republicans' top negotiator, West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito. Talks have resumed with a bipartisan group of senators. Michigan projects Most Michigan Congressional representatives included some projects in the bill. In addition to the Miller Road/Rotunda Drive bridge submitted by Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, requested $14.7 million to rebuild the US-131 interchange with US-131 Business Route in Kalamazoo, and U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Bruce Township, sought $10 million to rebuild M-46 and M-19 in Oscoda County. U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids Township, included some local street projects for the city of Grand Rapids. MDOT's Chynoweth explains the bridge bundling concept and the work needed on the Miller Road/Rotunda Drive bridge. Because of the bridge's vital role supporting the Ford Rouge plant, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has highlighted the need for rebuilding it. The balance of the $60 million needed to replace the bridge would come from the governor's $300 million local bridge bundling proposal. Other components of the bill would support electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The bill also would authorize $750 million annually over four years for MDOT to award funding to remediate, retrofit or even remove transportation facilities to restore mobility or access within "disadvantaged and underserved communities." The Detroit News explains why I-375 in Detroit is such an example. Other references: https://transportation.house.gov/imo/media/doc/ANS%20to%20HR%203684.pdf  https://www.rollcall.com/2021/02/26/house-appropriators-to-cap-earmarks-at-1-percent-of-topline/ Episode photo: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer tours the Miller Rd/Rotunda Dr bridge near the Ford Motor Co. River Rouge complex and I-94 in Dearborn.

On this edition of Talking Michigan Transportation, Lloyd Brown joins the conversation again to discuss what we learned from the Jan. 21 Senate confirmation hearing for Transportation Secretary nominee Pete Buttigieg.Brown, director of communications for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, says the mostly amicable hearing and bipartisan respect for Buttigieg reflects the former South Bend mayor's skill at building relationships.In fact, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, called Buttigieg's testimony "damn refreshing.""You have put on a clinic for how a nominee should… act," Tester said. "You haven't avoided the questions. You've been straightforward. And you know what the hell you're talking about."Buttigieg's hearing comes during a time of renewed optimism for a long-term infrastructure initiative. Observers have heard that before with bipartisan agreement that our nation's roads, bridges and other infrastructure need work but no such agreement on how to generate more revenue.Still, speaking on the New York Times "The Argument" podcast, Jared Bernstein, an economic adviser to President Biden, said he heard a desire to get something done on infrastructure from some Republican lawmakers during the previous administration. "There are lots of Republicans who would like to invest in infrastructure, but Trump never had a plan," Bernstein said. "They said they had a plan. It was an asterisk. It was meaningless."One idea being discussed would implement a carbon tax to help fund infrastructure. Some business leaders, including a former Dow Chemical CEO, are among the advocates.At his confirmation hearing, Buttigieg spoke of his support for public transportation, complete streets, and called himself a fan of passenger rail."I'm probably the second biggest passenger rail enthusiast in this administration," he said, a reference to President Biden's years of riding Amtrak from Delaware to Washington, D.C.Buttigieg also talked about the country's "auto-centric" history at the expense of other modes, while also putting an emphasis on safety. Safety advocates have noted, however, that candidate Biden's transportation plan did not include a Vision Zero statement.On Wednesday, Jan. 20, the nation's largest roadway safety coalition and traffic safety leaders sent a letter to the president calling for a commitment to zero deaths by 2050.Photo courtesy of AASHTO.

On Wednesday, President-elect Joe Biden made official his nomination of Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, to head the Department of Transportation. (Video from announcement.)Some of the top associations advocating on transportation policy were quick with statements of support. On this episode, a conversation with an official at one of those organizations. Lloyd Brown, director of communications at the Washington, D.C.-based American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, talks about their support and what a Buttigieg nomination means. Brown talks about the administration's promised focus on safety, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable funding for all infrastructure. Also discussed, how Buttigieg can balance an emphasis on safety and Vision Zero, Complete Streets and carbon reduction strategies, with a need for massive recovery in the airline and transit industries because of the pandemic.Will having a dynamic and gifted communicator at the helm raise his profile and the administration's priorities? A Washington Post story had this to say: "The choice of Buttigieg, who sought the Democratic presidential nomination and has an ardent following among some members of the party, will bring a dash of star power to what is normally a staid, if important, department."Echoing the sentiments about the traditionally low profile of the transportation secretary, one observer, acknowledging that “no politically ambitious little kid dreams of growing up to be the transportation secretary,” explains why Buttigieg is different. On Dec. 15, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after President-elect Biden nominated Mayor Pete Buttigieg for Secretary of Transportation:“This is great news for our families, our businesses, and our nation's economy. Every American deserves to drive to work and drop their kids at school safely, without blowing a tire or cracking a windshield. Mayor Buttigieg has shown a deep commitment to getting things done for Americans everywhere, and I know he will work around the clock to fix and protect our nation's infrastructure. President-Elect Biden has proven once again that he is committed to building an administration that represents the great diversity of our nation, with more women, more people of color, and more members of the LGBTQ+ community at the table. I look forward to working closely with Mayor Buttigieg and the entire Biden Administration to fix the damn roads and protect Michiganders from shelling out hundreds of dollars a year on car repairs. Let's get to work.”It was notable that the nominees to lead the Transportation and Energy departments were named the same day. Choosing former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm signals how important the focus on alternative fuels will be as top automakers shift to building more electric vehicles and transportation agencies develop ways to support charging needs.Podcast photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore.

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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission voted Nov. 18 to redeploy airwaves assigned 21 years ago for a vehicle safety system that hasn't come to fruition, rejecting carmakers' efforts to hold onto the frequencies. With its vote, FCC opened the way for billions of Wi-Fi devices to use frequencies once destined for a safety system to be used by vehicles linked to roadside gadgets. The change follows years of lobbying by carmakers such as Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. to retain their exclusive hold on the rich airwaves swath. Among the stakeholders that were pushing back on FCC's proposal were transportation leaders on Capitol Hill and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

This week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast includes conversations about whether the federal government will provide any relief for transportation agencies in the wake of declining fuel tax revenues because of the pandemic. First, Lloyd Brown, director of communications at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, offers his analysis of the ongoing Congressional discussions. Later, MDOT Finance Director Patrick McCarthy talks about Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program and plans to sell some of the bonds this year. Will there be help from Washington? Many scholars and analysts have argued that this is an opportune time to raise the federal gas tax, last increased in 1993, not indexed to inflation, which has increased 77 percent since then. Writing in The Hill, Bernard L. Weinstein, associate director of the Maguire Energy Institute and adjunct professor of business economics in the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, makes the case for doing something now. https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/492748-this-is-prime-time-to-increase-the-federal-gasoline-tax The inflation-adjusted cost of gasoline today is about where it was 50 years ago. Weinstein questions whether Congress will squander a unique opportunity to hike the federal gasoline tax, replenish the Highway Trust Fund, and rebuild America’s critical road and bridge infrastructure. His thinking is in line with that of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which has advocated for a 25-cent increase in the federal gas tax. “Our nation’s infrastructure is deteriorating and only getting worse. By 2025, our crumbling infrastructure will cost American businesses $7 trillion,” said Chamber CEO Tom Donohue. “Today’s announcement … is an important step forward on the path to rebuilding America’s infrastructure.” Says House Transportation Chairman Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon: “And just like the New Deal of the 1930s, the best way to re-start our economy and put workers first is with a massive investment in the kind of infrastructure that will help future generations succeed - from better bridges and roads to robust transit and passenger rail service, to fully functioning ports and harbors, to modernized waste and drinking water systems, and widely available broadband internet.” U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, after initially balking at aid to states in another round of stimulus and suggesting they could default, amended his stance and suggested there could be some relief. But his and administration proposals come with what Democrats consider some poison pills, calling for a pandemic liability shield and payroll tax cuts. https://www.usnews.com/news/economy/articles/2020-05-05/liability-protection-looms-over-next-coronavirus-stimulus-package Rebuilding Michigan MDOT’s McCarthy explains the bond sale process and how it will support the Rebuilding Michigan plan. Earlier this year, Gov. Whitmer asked the State Transportation Commission (STC) to authorize bonds to rebuild some of the state’s busiest freeways. The STC voted to authorize up to $3.5 billion in bonds. https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9621_14807_14810_59639---,00.html The first project in the plan, the rebuild of I-496 west of Lansing, began April 1. McCarthy explains that the project is being funded with existing revenue that will be reimbursed when the bonds are sold. https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9620_11057-523878--rss,00.html Meanwhile, other states are eyeing bond sales to shore up funding. The Texas Transportation Commission is preparing to issue $880 million of general obligation refunding bonds. https://www.bondbuyer.com/news/texas-plans-taxable-transportation-go-bond-refunding

The ETAP Podcast is published on the first Wednesday of the month. ETAP is an environmental technical assistance program for state departments of transportation provided by AASHTO, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. More information, https://environment.transportation.org/.

Brandye Hendrickson, Deputy Director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, discusses the impact of the decision on infrastructure work, and her organization’s focus on highway safety concerns.Links:Presidential Candidates Will Talk Infrastructure at ForumPolitico: Presidential Candidates’ Tracker on Transportation IssuesCongress Repeals $7.6B Highway Funding Rescission

States plan, design, build, and help fund the nation’s infrastructure. So how are they feeling about the Senate’s first attempt at a six-year reauthorization plan? We posed that question to this week’s guest, Carlos Braceras, President of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and Executive Director of the Utah Department of Transportation.

Frederick G. “Bud” Wright, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, announced earlier this year that he will retire at the end of 2018. He joins ITE Talks Transportation to discuss the changes and challenges in today’s environment for transportation officials and professionals.

Frederick G. “Bud” Wright, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, announced earlier this year that he will retire at the end of 2018. He joins ITE Talks Transportation to discuss the changes and challenges in today's environment for transportation officials and professionals.

Frederick G. ‘Bud’ Wright, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, announced earlier this year that he will retire at the end of 2018. He joins ITE Talks Transportation to discuss the changes and challenges in today’s environment for transportation officials and professionals.

Infrastructure – mainly meaning roads and bridges – was a big topic in the State of the Union Address. But what might result from the president’s words? Mary McKenna speaks with OOIDA Acting President Todd Spencer and Patrick McKenna, Director of the Missouri DOT and member of the Executive Committee with AASHTO – American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials – for their reaction.

An autonomous package delivery drone, blanket COA altitude limit raised, FAA forecasts UAS sales, in U.S., states eye drone applications, NASA and AFRL developing a fully autonomous UAS, JPL applies Mars sensor technology to earth-bound drone, and the Pentagon will pair manned and unmanned jets. News First US autonomous, urban drone delivery in Nevada In Episode 59 we reported that Flirtey was conducting package delivery tests in Australia. Flirtey now says they have successfully completed the first fully autonomous, FAA-approved, urban drone delivery in the United States, in an uninhabited residential setting in Hawthorne, Nevada. The company successfully used a drone to deliver a package that included bottled water, emergency food, and a first aid kit. The six-rotor drone flew itself along a predetermined delivery route and lowered the package at a precise drop-off location. A Flirtey pilot and several visual observers were on standby during the delivery as a backup to the autonomous system but were never needed. This test was completed through a partnership with the Nevada Advanced Autonomous Systems Innovation Center at the University of Nevada, Reno. Both partners are also working with NASA to develop a low-altitude air traffic management system. Additionally, Flirtey has partnered with the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems (NIAS) and the FAA-designated Nevada UAS Test Site. FAA Doubles "Blanket" Altitude for Many UAS Flights After conducting a risk analysis, the FAA has decided to raise the blanket altitude authorization for Section 333 exemption holders and government aircraft operators. Previously, the nationwide Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) limited such flights to 200 feet. The new COA policy [PDF] allows commercial use to 400 feet anywhere in the country, other than in restricted airspace or where the FAA prohibits UAS operations. Rupprecht Law's In-Depth Analysis of the New 400ft Blanket COA for Commercial Drone Operators Attorney Jonathan Rupprecht describes how the original blanket authorization was written to avoid a COA choke-point. However, many radio towers are between 200 and 400 feet tall, and each of these towers needed a new, 400 foot site-specific COA. This bogged down the system tremendously. The FAA estimates that the new blanket COA will lessen the need for individual COAs by 30 to 40 percent. The blanket COA also addresses the inconsistency where recreational drone operators can fly up to 400 feet while commercial operators were restricted to 200 feet unless they obtained another COA. Other changes to the blanket COA include see-and-avoid requirements, reporting involving certain accidents/mishaps involving UAS operations, ATC special provisions, and flight planning. The Future of Commercial Drone Use The latest FAA forecast shows hobbyist and commercial UAS unit sales growing from 2.5 million in 2016 to 7 million in 2020. Hobbyist purchases were 1.9 million in 2016 and the forecast is 4.3 million by 2020. Commercial sales were 600,000 in 2016 and could grow to 2.7 million by 2020. The FAA forecast for the top five commercial drone markets: Industrial Inspection: 42% Real Estate/Aerial Photography: 22% Agriculture: 19% Insurance 15% Government 2% Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office to receive $1M in state funding for drone program State funding for a drone pilot program at the Palm Beach Florida County Sheriff's Office should allow them to use unmanned aircraft for “search and rescue, disaster assessment and assistance, interdiction of drug and human-trafficking activities, and situational awareness of a person whose life is in imminent danger." Michigan testing drones for bridge inspections A survey by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials shows that 33 states have studied or used drones, develop drone policies, or aided in drone research. Michigan transportation officials are considering assessing b...